Independent Commentary about Politics, Sports, the Media, and Current Events

It’s okay if you disagree with me. I can’t force you to be right. – Unknown

Welcome to the big show to end the week “Caught My Eye” (CME)!

If you are a first-time visitor, CME is posted right here every Friday morning. This is when I take a look at some of the stories I did not have time to write about during the week. I often throw in a touch of sarcasm to make you smile – or to irritate you just a little – maybe both.

Topics that I am providing commentary about today include the short government shutdown and budget bill, McConnell Super PAC, Federal spending, Steve Daines, Jon Tester, Greg Gianforte, SpaceX, Jeff Choate, and a very personal One More Thing!

Government Shutdown/Budget Deal:

The Republican-controlled House and Senate managed to shut down the government for a few hours Friday morning before passing a spending bill for the next six weeks and also a budget deal. (AP)

Montana’s delegation split on their votes. U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) voted for the bill. U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and U.S. Representative Greg Gianforte (R-MT) both voted against the bill. This should give both sides plenty of ammo to use against the other in upcoming elections.

I have some more thoughts about government spending below.

Mitch McConnell Super PAC:

The Montana Democrats sent a “BREAKING NEWS” email this week telling folks that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is sending his personal Super PAC to Montana to try and steal this seat from Democrats.

I bet the Super PAC is dressed in green and looks like money – probably large bills.

Of course, the Montana Democrats used that news to ask for campaign donations.

By the way, McConnell is my least favorite senator. He is worthless.

Tester and the Democrats should welcome this Super PAC news; the last two times Mitch McConnell has tried to defeat Jon Tester, he failed. I doubt the third time will be a charm for McConnell, either.

Spending:

It seems one thing the Democrats and Republicans can agree about in Washington, D.C., these days is spending our money. A pet project here and a pet project there and soon you’ve spent billions.

You can hear the politicians say the “pet project” is good for my state or our country. Some day this will have to stop. We are in over our heads. We need elected officials that will say “no” to all this spending and keep saying “no” until it’s under control.

On Thursday, the Republican-led Congress was rounding up support for a bipartisan budget bill that would put the government on track for annual deficits topping $1 trillion. Such a gap was last seen during the 2008 recession.

Some are saying they need to do this to keep the government running. In other words, they are giving each other gifts to vote for the funding bill.

In regard to the recent spending and budget bill passed early this morning, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) says, “Washington, D.C. is addicted to spending.” As for U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), he proudly stated, “I bucked both parties to demand a better budget for Montana, and they listened.”

I have a hard time thinking Daines and/or Tester are genuine about controlling spending. I remember Tester saying years ago during one of his campaigns that Washington was “spending like drunken sailors.”

Montana to Tester – you’re the sailor now and you’ve been drinking way too much.

SpaceX:

I think space exploration is a worthy goal in our country. I was excited to see SpaceX launch the “Falcon Heavy” into space with the car as cargo. The reusable rockets are a thing of beauty, too.

You can see the actual launch HERE. You can see a live video of “Starman” HERE.

Jeff Choate:

The Montana State Bobcats have extended the football contract of head coach Jeff Choate for three more years through the 2021 season. (USA Today)

I think that is a very strange move.

Maybe by 2021 he will post a winning record. Choate was 4-7 his first season and 5-6 his second season.

One More Thing:

I received one of those DNA tests for Christmas. I really have no idea about my ancestors past my parents, so I am excited to find out. I sent a saliva sample in a couple weeks ago and received some preliminary results via email that I want to share with my readers.